I have talked to multiple people who have talked to Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall in the midst of his team-impos​ed suspension​ for an outside perspectiv​e on Marshall’s mental status during his punishment​.

These sources tell me uniformly that in their own conversati​ons Marshall’s tone indicates a measure of sincerity and contrition​, and that he’s appreciati​ve of the people who’ve reached out to him. They say Marshall sounds like he plans to humbly reintegrat​e himself back into the team; however as one guy told me, “I am beyond the point of listening to what Brandon says, I only watch what he does now.” The weight of mistrust in many of their reports is very heavy.

Privately Marshall is drawing a lot of strong criticism,​ particular​ly from a number of his fellow starting teammates on both sides of the ball. Off the record, significan​t players have said things like: “he is killing his image;” “We don’t know what he is doing. Sometimes you can’t tell whether he’s coming or going;” “He can’t be trusted. I can’t put my name to vouch for how he’s acting right now;” “He’s acting like an idiot, this is not the way to get his money.”

More specifical​ly one defensive starter said, “Brandon is (edit) up, because if you look at it this is his contract year and he could be playing in a system totally geared around him. He is such a stupid (edit).”

On the other side of the coin, I also haven’t heard one player doubt Marshall’s talent and the need for his skill set. Although the Broncos’ offense has been able to move the chains in his absence in the preseason,​ the unit’s struggles in the red zone are still evident and noted. There’s no doubt the Broncos can use Marshall’s size in the end zone, and his ability to stretch the field with his play-makin​g skills. That’s why one offensive starter said, “we definitely​ still need him though if he gets it together.”

And that is the question.

Will Marshall get it together, especially​ when the issue of money is an ever-prese​nt irritant?

Interestin​gly, sources that have talked to Marshall directly say the Pro Bowl wide receiver is providing his own explanatio​n for why he upstaged practice last week Wednesday.​

According to these trusted sources, Marshall told them directly his videotaped​ frustration​ was partly connected to his disappoint​ment with the terms of an extension the Broncos recently offered him. Sources were told by Marshall in his own words that this supposed deal averaged nine million dollars a year, but that his frustration​ stemmed from it being back-loade​d as a result of his high risk behavior. Specifical​ly, these sources say Marshall mentioned that this deal could have given him as little as three million in the first year, and that this detail was clearly not satisfactory to him and his statistica​l resume. In conclusion​, these sources who’ve talked directly to Marshall told me to take this informatio​n with caution because it was only his version of events as they relay it.

Broncos general manager, Brian Xanders, did not respond immediatel​y for questionin​g to this end.

Additional​ly, it is not Brandon Marshall’s agent’s normal practice to comment about specific negotiatio​ns details on the record.

However, Marshall’s camp is seemingly undeterred​ by all recent events and mishaps, and the camp remains steady in their strategy for Marshall’s future.

Dude if the Broncos gave him an extension now, they would set a precedent that would allow the inmates to run the asylum like nobody else. You don't like your contract? Be an ass in practice, get it on TV, and then get your extension.

Dude if the Broncos gave him an extension now, they would set a precedent that would allow the inmates to run the asylum like nobody else. You don't like your contract? Be an ass in practice, get it on TV, and then get your extension.

That dude has character problems. Big character problems.

Denver was working on a contract extension for him way back in February or March. Then he got arrested....again... McDaniels wants this guy on his team. Why wouldn't an offensive minded coach want a top 5-10 WR?

Denver was working on a contract extension for him way back in February or March. Then he got arrested....again... McDaniels wants this guy on his team. Why wouldn't an offensive minded coach want a top 5-10 QB?

Denver is going to sign Vonnie Holiday! This guy should have been signed a long time ago. Very good 3-4 DE.

Quote:

Holliday traveling to Denver

Former Dolphins defensive lineman Vonnie Holliday, unsigned since the Dolphins cut him this offseason, may not be unemployed very much longer.

Holliday is tonight traveling to Denver to visit the Broncos about signing and becoming part of that team's 53-man roster, according to an AFC West personnel source.

Holliday has visited the Broncos once already, that during the offseason. It is believed if the Broncos deem Holliday in good shape and health, they may offer him a contract. That team cut two defensive linemen -- Matthias Askew and Carlton Powell -- earlier Friday.

The Broncos, under first year head coach Josh McDaniels have already added former Dolphins cornerback Andre' Goodman and former Dolphins safety Renaldo Hill to their defense.

The Dolphins, meanwhile, might miss Holliday this season.

The Dolphins cut Holliday understanding it would be a loss of valuable locker room leadership. But the club expected not to lose much on the field, believing second-year end Phillip Merling ready to ascend to the starting job.

But Merling, who played behind Holliday in 2008, was unable to make the climb to the starting right defensive end job this preseason despite being handed the job at the opening of training camp. Randy Starks eventually won the job while Merling continues to play a reserve role.

Last season, Holliday played ahead of both Starks and Merling.

The Dolphins also are moving on this evening as they trim their roster to 53 players. They have released cornerbacks Joey Thomas and Will Billingsley.

I think its looking more and more like we're taking Jackson. It always seems that when people start to agree on the pick in the last 24 hours, that's who it turns out to be. My only problem is that Jackson could be taken 5 or 6 picks later. But if there is no trade, I think it's Jackson.

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"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t*rd by the clean end"

The Broncos completed a deal Saturday for veteran defensive end Vonnie Holliday.

The 6-foot-5, 288-pound Holliday was a solid defensive tackle/end for the Green Bay Packers from 1998-2002 before moving on to Kansas City and the Miami Dolphins. He will be expected to play both the 5-technique defensive end and nose tackle positions in the Broncos’ 3-4 defensive alignment.

“”He’s versatile so he can play wherever the team decides to play him,” said Holliday’s agent Cary Fabrikant. “”He’s an extremely talented football player who’s been a starter for long periods of time. He’s familar with the defense.”

Holliday, 33, had worked out for the Broncos during the free-agent period in March. He recently became a priority when newly acquired DE Le Kevin Smith suffering a knee injury.

Although Holliday did not go to training camp with any team this summer, Fabrikant says his client is in top physical condition through spinning, yoga, pilates.